The end of this life is a finish line that most of us dread, but we can be thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared for our good-byes. The families of several HOH alumni report feeling loved and comforted in that vulnerable time by such preparations.
One couple shared how they had successfully worked through the HERITAGE OF HOPE VIDEO SERIES with two relatives in their own home. Since all were apparently in good health, they were quite surprised when both of their former guests died within the year. How thankful they were to have extended an invitation that made their relatives’ passing less complicated and more loving. They were prepared for their finish lines.
At the memorial service of a dear friend, her three daughters came to me in amazement. Mom and Dad took care of everything, thanks to Heritage of Hope. They were so grateful to be freed up to grieve and comfort one another by remembering the good times and their mother’s relationship to Jesus. All three were astounded at the comforting impact of their mother’s letter to their Dad. He reads it every day.
Another woman who was dealing with terminal cancer was happily married, but both she and her husband had been married before. Consequently, her end of life situation was quite complex. A friend gave her our HERITAGE OF HOPE WORKBOOK. As her strength allowed, she worked through the entire HOH CHECKLIST. When she finished her race, all went quite smoothly thanks to her thoughtful preparations.
Where are you on the spectrum of being prepared for the end of this life? Will your loved ones be able to respond like the three daughters mentioned above? Completing or updating your HOH CHECKLIST is the essential task that will enable you to give comfort to those who love you. Since our circumstances keep changing, even those who have completely finished the HOH CHECKLIST usually have some updating to do. Tax time is a good prompt to review your LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS to your executor or successor trustee. Have you changed states, changed banks, or passwords? Are support team members informed of your wishes? Has the Lord revealed more of his grace to you this year, something you wish to include in your testimony?
SUGGESTION #1: As you update your HOH CHECKLIST, consider viewing the HOH VIDEOS again in your own home . . . perhaps inviting some family members? If you do not own the DVDs, the HOPE video is a free download on our website, and the other five videos can be purchased on Vimeo. Amazon sells our HOH Workbooks.
SUGGESTION #2: Who might you invite to join you in preparing for the end of this life? Aging parents or relatives as above? Friends or neighbors? Grown children? Working through the end of this life preparations with others empowers us with a built-in accountability factor. The encouragement and camaraderie is priceless as is the idea exchange. Some groups have divided up the research of local funeral homes, attorneys, and resources. One participant may find a resource that others would not.
SUGGESTION #3: If you would like to host a small group within your church or another organization, our website’s “Store & Giveaways Page” has numerous FREEBIES to assist you in gathering participants. Announcement slides, brochures, and several promotional videos are offered at no charge. If you or your church are new to Heritage of Hope, the online facilitator workshop gives a helpful overview and provides insightful input for small group leaders.
May these Heritage of Hope resources enable you and yours to be prepared to finish this life well.
